C4 glomerulopathy overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Ali Poyan Mehr, M.D. [2]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Olufunmilola Olubukola M.D.[3]
Overview
Historical Perspective
There is limited information about the historical perspective of C4 glomerulopathy.
Classification
C4 glomerulopathy may be classified based on complement deposition into Dense Deposit Disease (DDD) and C4 Glomerulonephritis (C4GN)
Pathophysiology
It is thought that C4 glomerulopathy is the result of the activation of immune complex glomerulonephritis or lectin pathway of the complement.
Differential Diagnosis
C4 glomerulopathy must be differentiated from other diseases that cause proteinuria, hematuria, and peripheral edema, such as IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulus /minimal change disease, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and lupus nephritis.
Causes
C4 glomerulopathy may be caused by mutation of complement factor,anti-factor H, anti-factor B, or C4 nephritic factor.
Risk Factors
There are no established risk factors for C4 glomerulopathy.
Screening
There is insufficient information to recommend routine screening for C4 glomerulopathy.
Epidemiology and Demographics
There is not much information available about the incidence and prevalence.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
If left untreated, C4 glomerulopathy may progress to develop renal failure.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
The most common symptoms of C4 glomerulopathy include hematuria, proteinuria, and hypertension.
Physical Examination
Physical examination of patients with C4 glomerulopathy is usually remarkable for high blood pressure, peripheral edema, pale skin, and periorbital edema.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of C4 glomerulopathy include abnormal urinalysis, abnormal BUN: Creatinine ratio, and abnormal serum C3 and C4 levels
Imaging Studies
There are no other imaging findings associated with C4 glomerulopathy.
Other Diagnostic Studies
A kidney biopsy may be helpful in the diagnosis of C4 glomerulopathy. Findings diagnostic of C4 glomerulopathy include glomerular capillary walls thickening, large subendothelial osmiophilic dense deposits, and ribbonlike material on the glomerular basement membrane.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
The mainstay of treatment for C4 glomerulopathy is antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of C4 glomerulopathy.
Prevention
There are no established measures for the primary or secondary prevention of C4 glomerulopathy.